Davos 2026 Diary 1: Sunshine, Security, WhatsApp, Trump

Davos 2026

• Sir Martin Sorrell shares sharp insights on AI and global economy at Davos
• Trump's presence at Davos boosts security and draws attention
• Indian leaders and CEOs arrived on a packed Delhi–Zurich flight for WEF

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Advertising guru Sir Martin Sorrell set the tone for our coverage of the World Economic Forum in Davos, which officially kicked off on Monday, January 19.

As we were about to begin our interview, I said, “Hello Sir, Chandra from Moneycontrol.” He clapped back instantly: “The world is out of control, innit?”

At 80, Sorrell still packs a punch - acerbic wit, sharp insights on the global economy, and a firm grasp of how AI is upending the world of advertising. “Trump loves turmoil. He’s set the Greenland cat among the European pigeons, who are now scurrying,” he quipped.

Those who travel to Davos every year love to scare first-timers with dire weather warnings. “It’s going to be minus 15. Coldest ever.” This year, those predictions came to naught. Sunshine gleamed through the mountains, prompting one European attendee to remark, “Some bright spots in the world.”

Trump, no doubt, is hogging plenty of attention. Tariff pronouncements aside, the presence of a large USA House and the fact that the WEF is being co-chaired by BlackRock’s Larry Fink has prompted some to dub this a “MAGA Davos” - ironic for a president who has been scathing about the forum in the past.

His 24-hour presence here on Wednesday is expected to push security into overdrive, forcing the one-street town into an even tighter lockdown. CEOs and delegates are already huffing and puffing as they rush from meeting to meeting, repeatedly removing coats, gloves, watches, belts and even spiked shoes to enter the Congress Centre. “Undressing, dressing, undressing… ugh,” one very harried lady quipped yesterday.

Mercurial sunshine and relentless security checks notwithstanding, Moneycontrol had a formidable line-up on day one - a strong mix of global and Indian voices at the intersection of AI, business, consulting and policy.

Moneycontrol's Day 1 Davos lineup

I used to think WhatsApp was a lifesaver only in India, thanks to the hundred-odd work, family and school groups I’m part of. But here in Davos, it has become the most ubiquitous app for coordinating with interviewees spread across the US and Europe. I honestly can’t remember the last time I opened Signal.

You can catch all the interviews in video and text formats on the Moneycontrol website and YouTube channel.

Before I sign off : one insider tip, one pro tip and one touristy indulgence.

One insider: The most happening flight from India was the Delhi–Zurich one on Monday. On board were Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, heads of consulting firms such as PwC and EY, and several officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Technology. India might as well charter a private jet next time.

One pro tip: Never pay for food once WEF kicks off. Between the promenade and the Congress Centre, just grab whatever you find to fortify yourself - from chai at the Tata Tea stall and Qatar’s spread to hot chocolate at Emirates and snackables at pavilions hosted by HCLTech, Pinterest and Meta. You’ll be sorted.

One touristy thing: I usually never see anything beyond the single street where people walk up and down with an air of importance. This time, though, I made it to the funicular that takes you from Davos Platz to Schatzalp. Pristine, picturesque -nature at its best.

Danke schön.